Quick answer: The Digital Marketplace (marketplace.service.gov.uk) is a UK government website where public sector buyers find and purchase technology services. It hosts two major frameworks: G-Cloud (cloud software, hosting, and support) and Digital Outcomes and Specialists (digital teams and project delivery). It is run by Crown Commercial Service and is the primary route for technology companies to sell to UK public sector without a full tender.
What the Digital Marketplace does
The Digital Marketplace serves two audiences simultaneously:
🏛️ For public sector buyers
- ✓Browse and search thousands of pre-approved technology services
- ✓Compare cloud software products side by side
- ✓Post requirements for digital teams and receive responses
- ✓Purchase directly without running a full tender
- ✓Access pre-negotiated terms and pricing
💻 For technology suppliers
- ✓List cloud services for discovery by all public sector buyers
- ✓Receive inbound enquiries from buyers searching for solutions
- ✓Respond to mini-competitions for digital project work
- ✓Sell to UK public sector without individual tender processes
- ✓Build a public sector customer base at scale
The two frameworks on the Digital Marketplace
G-Cloud
RM1557
G-Cloud is for cloud-based technology products and services. It has three lots: cloud hosting (IaaS/PaaS), cloud software (SaaS), and cloud support (implementation and managed services). Buyers browse the G-Cloud catalogue and purchase directly — no competition required for straightforward requirements.
Best for
SaaS products, cloud infrastructure, managed cloud services
How buyers buy
Catalogue browsing and direct purchase
Digital Outcomes and Specialists
RM1043
Digital Outcomes and Specialists (DOS) is for digital project delivery and specialist roles. Buyers post a specific requirement — a development team, a user researcher, a delivery manager — and approved suppliers respond with proposals. Evaluated on approach, team, and price.
Best for
Software development teams, UX design, user research, delivery management
How buyers buy
Posted requirements and mini-competitions
How to get listed on the Digital Marketplace
Create a supplier account
Go to marketplace.service.gov.uk and create a supplier account using your company email and Companies House number.
Wait for a competition window
G-Cloud and DOS competition windows open periodically — typically annually. Watch for announcements on Find a Tender and CCS website. Set a PSIP alert to be notified immediately.
Submit your application
During the window, complete the framework agreement, supplier declaration, and — for G-Cloud — write your catalogue entries. For DOS, define the capabilities and roles you offer.
Go live
Once CCS approves your application, your services appear on the Digital Marketplace and are immediately searchable by all public sector buyers.
Actively manage your listing
Update your catalogue entries regularly, respond promptly to buyer messages, and monitor your analytics to understand how buyers are finding you.
Digital Marketplace vs Find a Tender — what is the difference?
The Digital Marketplace and Find a Tender serve different purposes and are used at different stages of procurement:
| Feature | Digital Marketplace | Find a Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Browse and buy from pre-approved suppliers | Advertise and respond to open tenders |
| Who uses it | Technology buyers and approved suppliers | All public sector buyers and all suppliers |
| Frameworks | G-Cloud and Digital Outcomes | All frameworks and open tenders |
| Competition required | Not for G-Cloud direct awards | Yes — for all above-threshold contracts |
| Supplier pre-approval | Required — must apply to framework | Not required — anyone can respond |
| Technology focus | Exclusively technology and digital | All categories of public procurement |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Digital Marketplace?
The Digital Marketplace (marketplace.service.gov.uk) is a UK government website where public sector buyers find and buy technology services. It hosts the G-Cloud framework (cloud software, hosting, and support) and the Digital Outcomes and Specialists framework (digital teams and specialists). It is run by Crown Commercial Service and the Government Digital Service.
Who can buy from the Digital Marketplace?
Any UK public sector organisation can buy from the Digital Marketplace, including central government departments, NHS trusts, local councils, universities, police forces, and arm's-length bodies. Buyers must have a Digital Marketplace buyer account.
How do I get my services listed on the Digital Marketplace?
To list services on the Digital Marketplace, you must apply to the relevant framework during a competition window. For G-Cloud, apply during the annual G-Cloud competition. For Digital Outcomes and Specialists, apply during the DOS competition. Both are advertised on Find a Tender.
Is the Digital Marketplace the same as G-Cloud?
No. The Digital Marketplace is the website that hosts G-Cloud and Digital Outcomes and Specialists. G-Cloud is one of the frameworks available through the Digital Marketplace — specifically for cloud software, hosting, and support services.
How do buyers search the Digital Marketplace?
Buyers search by keyword, category, and filter criteria including price, certification level, and supplier size. For G-Cloud, buyers browse the catalogue directly. For Digital Outcomes and Specialists, buyers post requirements and invite approved suppliers to respond.
What frameworks are available on the Digital Marketplace?
The Digital Marketplace hosts G-Cloud (cloud software, hosting, and support) and Digital Outcomes and Specialists (digital teams and project delivery). Both are managed by Crown Commercial Service.
How much does it cost to list on the Digital Marketplace?
There is no upfront cost to apply or list services on the Digital Marketplace. CCS charges a management fee of approximately 0.5-1% on sales made through the framework.
Track Digital Marketplace framework competitions
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